Dial in Some Classic dbx Compression for Polished Sound!

Elevate the quality of your mix from good to great with the dbx 266XS compressor and gate! Designed to give you total dynamic control over your audio, the 266XS provides the gate timing algorithms, expander/gate features, and dynamics control options needed to smooth out uneven levels, bring out your vocals, fatten your drums, add sustain to guitars, and more. If you can add just one more thing to your studio or live sound rig, go for the 266XS.

Smooth Operator: Automatic Program-Dependent Attack and Release

This single-rack-space dynamics processor features AutoDynamic scalable program-dependent attack and release controls, which automatically sense the nature of your audio signal and control it accordingly, as smoothly as possible. Instead of providing pre-set attack and release functionality, AutoDynamic attack and release controls continually adjust the actual attack and release times to match whatever program material you're sending through the 266XS. The compressor/gate also allows for classic "hard-knee" compression, so you can manually and precisely adjust threshold, ratio, attack, release, and output gain. Gate timing algorithms ensure super smooth releases.

OverEasy compression technology also helps transparently smooth out fluctuating vocal and instrumental levels. Never again will you have to deal with a choppy mess.

One Versatile One-Rack-Space Processor

You can use the 266XS in either stereo or dual-mono mode to suit the task at hand, and leave it to true RMS power summing to ensure that your levels are always detected correctly. This dbx box is a must for evening out uneven levels, tightening up a mix, making vocals stand out from surrounding instruments, fattening drum tracks, and more.

Visually Appealing: Easy-to-Read Meters and Backlit Switches

For optimum visual feedback, the dbx 266XS sports gain reduction metering and easy-to-read backlit switches. Balanced inputs and outputs with XLR and 1/4-inch TRS connectors, along with a TRS sidechain insert, are on the rear panel.

Say hello to classic dbx compression. The dbx 266XS sets up quickly so you can focus on what's important -- your mix. Set it and forget it! Reliable and easy to use, the 266XS offers everything you need and nothing you don't.

Product Description

Adding a dbx 266XS Compressor/Gate to your live sound rig or studio gives you more dynamic control to help create a more polished, professional sound. Having compression in your audio chain gives you the ability to smooth out uneven levels, add sustain to guitars and fatten up your drums. It also makes it easy to bring vocals to the front of your mix -- adding greater clarity and making them stand out from the surrounding instruments.

dbx knows compressors...after all, they invented them! The 266XS is in a long line of the world's most successful compressors from the inventors of the technology. Its patented Overeasy compression technology provides smooth and musical performance while the AutoDynamic attack and release controls, found only on dbx compressors, puts great sound within easy reach. The 266XS can operate in stereo or dual-mono modes, has true RMS power summing and features quality XLR and 1/4 inch TRS inputs and outputs. It cuts no corners on visual feedback with gain reduction metering and easy-to-read backlit switches.

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"The Best of All AGC/Compression Worlds"

Sound:
My application is broadcast recording studio level control and audio air chain over-drive protection ahead of a station's final processor when an aural studio-to-remote transmitter link is in use.
In a word, this unit is perfect for both applications and beats the performance of so-called broadcast specific units costing 10x more.
It is the most transparent AGC/compressor/limiter I have used. It controls peak levels VERY smoothly without adding any grit, clip or coloring.
Feature:
There are two features with which I am really impressed.
1. Unlike the fixed compressor attack/release settings on most units, this dbx can apply dynamic control. When audio is peaky and aggressive, it automatically 'sees' it coming and ramps up the circuit speeds. When audio is already more level and only needs gentle coaxing, the attack/release automatically slows down to match it. The result is exceptionally smooth audio control regardless of its characteristics. This matters because I do NOT want constant hi speed AGC ahead of the final processor whether it is monaural AM or an FM's stereo generator/digital/analog processor.
2. The expander/gate is REALLY smooth and prompt. I set the gate to about -20dbu at 2:1. Particularly on talk programming, any level under this is mostly noise, which the dbx then fully gates out. At the same time, the gate works so fast that when true audio resumes it does not 'chop' the first syllable. Conversely, you CAN set it to do this if your application calls for higher level on/off thresholds and it still works very smoothly.
Ease of Use:
One has a choice of automatic settings, stereo coupling where only the channel 1 adjusts take effect, or run it in dual mono with independent left/right processing. If the input level is in the correct range, the automatic 'over easy' feature just runs with it. If you want more control, then start twisting the knobs to your taste.
Quality:
I like the feel of the adjustments and the LED metering does a spot on job of reporting what your input and processing settings are doing. Everything you need ... nothing you don't.
The Wow Factor:
In the name of 'level control', the penalty of high compression and fast attack/release is distortion and loss of stereo separation. The latest intallations the 266XS have resulted in some of the best sounding stereo air chains I have heard in a long, long time. So, unless something else shows up, this is the unit that's going to replace the gritty legacy stereo processors.
Overall:
When it comes to AGC, I believe that 'less is more'. But, if you want highly aggressive 'infinity' compression, this dbx can do that, too. It can be sonically pure or it can absolutely crush the life out of any audio peak. Where ever you sit in the compression war, this is your weapon.

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